Lactation and maternal subclinical cardiovascular disease among premenopausal women

Lifetime Duration of Breastfeeding and Cardiovascular Risk in Women With Type 2 Diabetes or a History of Gestational Diabetes: Findings From Two Large Prospective Cohorts

OBJECTIVE

Breastfeeding duration is inversely associated with risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes in parous women. However, the association among women at high risk, including women with type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is unclear.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We included 15,146 parous women with type 2 diabetes from the Nurses' Health Study I and II (NHS, NHS II) and 4,537 women with a history of GDM from NHS II. Participants reported history of breastfeeding via follow-up questionnaires. Incident CVD by 2017 comprised stroke or coronary heart disease (CHD) (myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization). Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% CIs were estimated using Cox models.

RESULTS

We documented 1,159 incident CVD cases among women with type 2 diabetes in both cohorts during 188,874 person-years of follow-up and 132 incident CVD cases among women with a GDM history during 100,218 person-years of follow-up. Longer lifetime duration of breastfeeding was significantly associated with lower CVD risk among women with type 2 diabetes, with pooled aHR of 0.68 (95% CI 0.54-0.85) for >18 months versus 0 months and 0.94 (0.91-0.98) per 6-month increment in breastfeeding. Similar associations were observed with CHD (pooled aHR 0.93 [0.88-0.97]) but not with stroke (0.96 [0.91-1.02]) per 6-month increment in breastfeeding. Among women with GDM history, >18 months versus 0 months of breastfeeding was associated with an aHR of 0.49 (0.28-0.86) for total CVD.

CONCLUSIONS

Longer duration of breastfeeding was associated with lower risk of CVD in women with type 2 diabetes or GDM.

Breastfeeding-Related Health Benefits in Children and Mothers: Vital Organs Perspective

Breast milk (BM) is a constantly changing fluid that represents the primary source of nutrition for newborns. It is widely recognized that breastfeeding provides benefits for both the child and the mother, including a lower risk of ovarian and breast cancer, type 2 diabetes mellitus, decreased blood pressure, and more. In infants, breastfeeding has been correlated with a lower risk of infectious diseases, obesity, lower blood pressure, and decreased incidence of respiratory infections, diabetes, and asthma. Various factors, such as the baby's sex, the health status of the mother and child, the mother's diet, and the mode of delivery, can affect the composition of breast milk. This review focuses on the biological impact of the nutrients in BM on the development and functionality of vital organs to promote the benefit of health.

Study protocol for the sheMATTERS study (iMproving cArdiovascular healTh in new moThERS): a randomized behavioral trial assessing the effect of a self-efficacy enhancing breastfeeding intervention on postpartum blood pressure and breastfeeding continuation in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Individuals with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) have an elevated lifetime risk of chronic hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and premature cardiovascular disease. Because breastfeeding duration and exclusivity have been associated in observational studies with improved cardiovascular health, optimizing breastfeeding in those with HDP might be an unrealized cardio-prevention approach, in particular because individuals with HDP have more breastfeeding challenges. Breastfeeding supportive interventions targeting one's breastfeeding self-efficacy have been shown to improve breastfeeding rates.

METHODS

We designed an open-label, multi-center 1:1 randomized behavioral trial to test whether a previously validated self-efficacy enhancing breastfeeding intervention can improve breastfeeding duration and/or exclusivity, and lower postpartum blood pressure at 12 months. Randomization is computer-generated and stratified by site (four hospitals in Montreal, Quebec and one hospital in Kingston, Ontario; all in Canada). Included are breastfeeding participants with HDP (chronic/gestational hypertension or preeclampsia) who delivered a live singleton infant at > 34 weeks, speak English or French, and have no contraindications to breastfeeding. Informed and written consent is obtained at hospitalization for delivery or a re-admission with hypertension within 1 week of discharge. Participants assigned to the intervention group receive a breastfeeding self-efficacy-based intervention delivered by a trained lactation consultant in hospital, with continued reactive/proactive support by phone or text message for up to 6 months postpartum. Regardless of group assignment, participants are followed for self-reported outcomes, automated office blood pressure, and home blood pressure at several time points with end of follow-up at 12 months.

DISCUSSION

This study will assess whether an intensive nurse-led behavioral intervention can improve breastfeeding rates and, in turn, postpartum blood pressure - an early marker for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. If effective, this form of enhanced breastfeeding support, along with closer BP and metabolic surveillance, can be implemented broadly in individuals lactating after HDP.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, # NCT04580927 , registered on Oct 9, 2020.

Impact of lifetime lactation on the risk and duration of frequent vasomotor symptoms: A longitudinal dose-response analysis

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between lifetime lactation and risk and duration of frequent vasomotor symptoms (VMS).

DESIGN

Prospective cohort.

SETTING

USA, 1995-2008.

SAMPLE

2356 parous midlife women in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation.

METHODS

Lifetime lactation was defined as the duration of breastfeeding across all births in months. We used generalised estimating equations to analyse risk of frequent VMS and Cox regression to analyse duration of frequent VMS in years.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Frequent VMS (hot flashes and night sweats) were measured annually for 10 years, defined as occurring ≥6 days in the past 2 weeks.

RESULTS

Overall, 57.1% of women reported hot flashes and 43.0% reported night sweats during follow-up. Lifetime lactation was inversely associated with hot flashes plateauing at 12 months of breastfeeding (6 months: adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.75-0.96; 12 months: AOR 0.78, 95% CI 0.65-0.93) and was inversely associated with night sweats in a downward linear fashion (6 months: AOR 0.93, 95% CI 0.81-1.08; 18 months: AOR 0.82, 95% CI 0.67-1.02; 30 months: AOR 0.73, 95% CI 0.56-0.97). Lifetime lactation was associated with shorter duration of hot flashes and night sweats in a quadratic (bell-shaped) fashion. The association was strongest at 12-18 months of breastfeeding and significant for hot flashes (6 months: adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] 1.35, 95% CI 1.11-1.65; 18 months: AHR 1.54, 95% CI 1.16-2.03; 30 months: AHR 1.18, 95% CI 0.83-1.68).

CONCLUSIONS

Longer lifetime lactation is associated with decreased risk and duration of frequent VMS.

Pregnancy-related factors may signal additional protection or risk of future cardiovascular diseases

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) guidelines recommend using the Pooled Cohort Equation (PCE) to assess 10-year CVD risk based on traditional risk factors. Pregnancy-related factors have been associated with future CVD. We examined the contribution of two pregnancy-related factors, (1) history of a low birthweight (LBW) infant and (2) breastfeeding to CVD risk accounting for traditional risk factors as assessed by the PCE.

METHODS

A nationally representative sample of women, ages 40-79, with a history of pregnancy, but no prior CVD, was identified using NHANES 1999-2006. Outcomes included (1) CVD death and (2) CVD death plus CVD surrogates. We used Cox proportional hazards models to adjust for PCE risk score.

RESULTS

Among 3,758 women, 479 had a LBW infant and 1,926 reported breastfeeding. Mean follow-up time was 12.1 years. Survival models showed a consistent reduction in CVD outcomes among women with a history of breastfeeding. In cause-specific survival models, breastfeeding was associated with a 24% reduction in risk of CVD deaths (HR 0.76; 95% CI 0.45─1.27, p = 0.30) and a 33% reduction in risk of CVD deaths + surrogate CVD, though not statistically significant. (HR 0.77; 95% CI 0.52─1.14, p = 0.19). Survival models yielded inconclusive results for LBW with wide confidence intervals (CVD death: HR 0.98; 95% CI 0.47─2.05; p = 0.96 and CVD death + surrogate CVD: HR 1.29; 95% CI 0.74─2.25; p = 0.38).

CONCLUSION

Pregnancy-related factors may provide important, relevant information about CVD risk beyond traditional risk factors. While further research with more robust datasets is needed, it may be helpful for clinicians to counsel women about the potential impact of pregnancy-related factors, particularly the positive impact of breastfeeding, on cardiovascular health.

Breastfeeding Is Associated With a Reduced Maternal Cardiovascular Risk: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Involving Data From 8 Studies and 1 192 700 Parous Women

Background

Breastfeeding has been robustly linked to reduced maternal risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and type 2 diabetes. We herein systematically reviewed the published evidence on the association of breastfeeding with maternal risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes.

Methods and Results

Our systematic search of PubMed and Web of Science of articles published up to April 16, 2021, identified 8 relevant prospective studies involving 1 192 700 parous women (weighted mean age: 51.3 years at study entry, 24.6 years at first birth; weighted mean number of births: 2.3). A total of 982 566 women (82%) reported having ever breastfed (weighted mean lifetime duration of breastfeeding: 15.6 months). During a weighted median follow‐up of 10.3 years, 54 226 CVD, 26 913 coronary heart disease, 30 843 stroke, and 10 766 fatal CVD events were recorded. In a random‐effects meta‐analysis, the pooled multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratios comparing parous women who ever breastfed to those who never breastfed were 0.89 for CVD (95% CI, 0.83–0.95; I²=79.4%), 0.86 for coronary heart disease (95% CI, 0.78–0.95; I²=79.7%), 0.88 for stroke (95% CI, 0.79–0.99; I²=79.6%), and 0.83 for fatal CVD (95% CI, 0.76–0.92; I²=47.7%). The quality of the evidence assessed with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation tool ranged from very low to moderate, which was mainly driven by high between‐studies heterogeneity. Strengths of associations did not differ by mean age at study entry, median follow‐up duration, mean parity, level of adjustment, study quality, or geographical region. A progressive risk reduction of all CVD outcomes with lifetime durations of breastfeeding from 0 up to 12 months was found, with some uncertainty about shapes of associations for longer durations.

Conclusions

Breastfeeding was associated with reduced maternal risk of CVD outcomes.

Association of breastfeeding duration with carotid intima-media thickness in later life: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relationship of breastfeeding duration with maternal ultrasound carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in later life.

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Central database searching up to December 15, 2020, for eligible studies that reported on the breastfeeding duration and ultrasound measurement of CIMT in later life. The exposed group corresponded to breastfeeding duration ≥ 6 months whereas the control group was women with breastfeeding of shorter duration or nil breastfeeding. The methodological quality of reviewed articles was appraised using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Results are reported as the mean difference (MD) or the standardized MD (SMD) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The study was registered in the PROSPERO database.

RESULTS

Of 532 unique studies, three studies met inclusion criteria including 1721 women with a mean age ranging between 36.6 ± 6.9 and 55.7 ± 5.3 years, comparing breastfeeding duration ≥ 6 months versus 1-5 months (NOS: 7-8). Common CIMT was lower in women who breastfed for a longer duration (SMD = -0.10, 95% CI -0.20 to -0.00). Circulating HDL-cholesterol was higher in women with longer breastfeeding duration (MD = 3.25, 95% CI 0.88-5.61). There were no significant differences for total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and blood pressure between breastfeeding 6 or more months and the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The available studies showed lower CIMT and higher HDL-cholesterol levels in women who breastfed for 6 or more months as compared to controls.

Association of breastfeeding and risk of metabolic syndrome and its components in postmenopausal parous women: Korea national health and nutrition examination survey (2010 ~ 2016)

Background

Understanding the relationship between breastfeeding (BF) and metabolic syndrome (Mets) is important for maternal long-term health benefits and disease prevention. This study aimed to examine the association between BF and Mets and its components among postmenopausal parous Korean women.

Methods

This cross-sectional study on 10,356 Korean women used nationally representative data from the KNHANES from 2010 to 2016. Anthropometric, laboratory data and manual BP were measured. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association of BF with Mets and its components after adjusting for potential confounding variables. A p-value < 0.05 was to be considered statistically significant.

Results

Mets was present in 42% of the study participants. The BF group had low household income and education level. The prevalence of Mets in the BF group was higher than that in the non-BF group (42.69% vs. 34.76%, p <  0.001). BF was associated with increased risk of Mets (odds ratio [OR]: 1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18–1.65, p <  0.001). The BF group was at higher risks for diabetes (OR: 1.5, 95%CI: 1.14–1.98), hypertension (OR: 1.32, 95%CI: 1.03–1.68), hypertriglyceridemia (OR: 1.42, 95%CI: 1.02–1.99) and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR: 1.32, 95%CI: 1.06–1.65).

Conclusion

In this study, BF did not affect decreasing the prevalence of Mets and its components.

Workplace programmes for supporting breast-feeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To critically review the literature regarding workplace breast-feeding interventions and to assess their impact on breast-feeding indicators.

DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. Electronic searches for workplace intervention studies to support breast-feeding, without restriction on language or study design, were performed in PubMed, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, Business Source Complete, ProQuest-Sociology and ProQuest-Social Science to 13 April 2020. A meta-analysis of the pooled effect of the programmes on breast-feeding indicators was conducted.

RESULTS

The search identified 10 215 articles; fourteen studies across eighteen publications met eligibility criteria. Programmes were delivered in the USA (n 10), Turkey (n 2), Thailand (n 1) or Taiwan (n 1). There were no randomised controlled trials. The pooled OR for exclusive breast-feeding at 3 or 6 months for participants v. non-participants of three non-randomised controlled studies was 3·21 (95 % CI 1·70, 6·06, I2 = 22 %). Despite high heterogeneity, other pooled outcomes were consistently in a positive direction with acceptable CI. Pooled mean duration of breast-feeding for five single-arm studies was 9·16 months (95 % CI 8·25, 10·07). Pooled proportion of breast-feeding at 6 months for six single-arm studies was 0·76 (95 % CI 0·66, 0·84) and breast-feeding at 12 months for three single-arm studies was 0·41 (95 % CI 0·22, 0·62). Most programmes were targeted at mothers; two were targeted at expectant fathers.

CONCLUSIONS

Workplace programmes may be effective in promoting breast-feeding among employed mothers and partners of employed fathers. However, no randomised controlled trials were identified, and better-quality research on workplace interventions to improve breast-feeding is needed.

Association between the reproductive health of young women and cardiovascular disease in later life: umbrella review

OBJECTIVE

To consolidate evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses investigating the association between reproductive factors in women of reproductive age and their subsequent risk of cardiovascular disease.

DESIGN

Umbrella review.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases for systematic reviews and meta-analyses from inception until 31 August 2019.

REVIEW METHODS

Two independent reviewers undertook screening, data extraction, and quality appraisal. The population was women of reproductive age. Exposures were fertility related factors and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Outcome was cardiovascular diseases in women, including ischaemic heart disease, heart failure, peripheral arterial disease, and stroke.

RESULTS

32 reviews were included, evaluating multiple risk factors over an average follow-up period of 7-10 years. All except three reviews were of moderate quality. A narrative evidence synthesis with forest plots and tabular presentations was performed. Associations for composite cardiovascular disease were: twofold for pre-eclampsia, stillbirth, and preterm birth; 1.5-1.9-fold for gestational hypertension, placental abruption, gestational diabetes, and premature ovarian insufficiency; and less than 1.5-fold for early menarche, polycystic ovary syndrome, ever parity, and early menopause. A longer length of breastfeeding was associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. The associations for ischaemic heart disease were twofold or greater for pre-eclampsia, recurrent pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth; 1.5-1.9-fold for current use of combined oral contraceptives (oestrogen and progesterone), recurrent miscarriage, premature ovarian insufficiency, and early menopause; and less than 1.5-fold for miscarriage, polycystic ovary syndrome, and menopausal symptoms. For stroke outcomes, the associations were twofold or more for current use of any oral contraceptive (combined oral contraceptives or progesterone only pill), pre-eclampsia, and recurrent pre-eclampsia; 1.5-1.9-fold for current use of combined oral contraceptives, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth; and less than 1.5-fold for polycystic ovary syndrome. The association for heart failure was fourfold for pre-eclampsia. No association was found between cardiovascular disease outcomes and current use of progesterone only contraceptives, use of non-oral hormonal contraceptive agents, or fertility treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

From menarche to menopause, reproductive factors were associated with cardiovascular disease in women. In this review, presenting absolute numbers on the scale of the problem was not feasible; however, if these associations are causal, they could account for a large proportion of unexplained risk of cardiovascular disease in women, and the risk might be modifiable. Identifying reproductive risk factors at an early stage in the life of women might facilitate the initiation of strategies to modify potential risks. Policy makers should consider incorporating reproductive risk factors as part of the assessment of cardiovascular risk in clinical guidelines.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42019120076.

Duration of Lactation and Maternal Risk of Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death of women across all ages, and targeting modifiable risk factors, such as those comprised in metabolic syndrome (MetS) (e.g., waist circumference, lipid profile, blood pressure, and blood glucose), is of great importance. An inverse association between lactation and CVD has been suggested, and lactation may decrease the risk of MetS. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined how lactation may affect the development and prevalence of MetS in women. A literature search was performed using Cinahl, Embase, Web of Science, and PubMed. A total of 1286 citations were identified, and finally, ten studies (two prospective and eight cross-sectional) were included. Seven studies (two prospective and five cross-sectional) revealed associations between lactation and MetS, suggesting that breastfeeding might prevent or improve metabolic health and have a protective role in MetS prevention. This protective role might be related to the duration of lactation; however, a lack of controlling for potential confounders, such as parity, might inflict the results. The pooled effect was non-conclusive. Additional research is required to further explore the duration of lactation and its potential role in improving or reversing MetS and its components.

Breastfeeding and Maternal Age-Related Cataract in the U.S. Population

PURPOSE

An estimated 38 million and 50 million individuals will have cataract in the U.S. alone by 2030 and 2050, respectively. Breastfeeding is known to improve a number of health outcomes in both breastfed children and breastfeeding mothers. However, little is known about the relationship between breastfeeding and cataract, the leading cause of blindness worldwide, in breastfeeding mothers. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between breastfeeding and maternal cataract extraction history in a nationally representative sample of the U.S. population.

METHODS

A 10-year multistage, probability-sampling survey data was used to identify parous women aged ≥50 years who provided breastfeeding history and cataract extraction history (n = 4897). Breastfeeding history was considered positive if a participant reported breastfeeding at least one child for ≥1 month. The main outcome was cataract extraction history. Estimates are presented in odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).

RESULTS

Approximately half of the studied women breastfed at least one child ≥1 month, and about 18% reported cataract extraction history. Participants with a positive breastfeeding history were less likely to have a positive cataract extraction history in both age-adjusted (OR = 0.814, 95%CI = 0.670-0.989) and multivariable logistic regression (OR = 0.794, 95%CI = 0.639-0.988). Higher number of breastfed children was also associated with a lower risk of cataract extraction history (OR = 0.934, 95%CI = 0.883-0.988).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that breastfeeding may be associated with a decrease in the likelihood of age-related cataract extraction in parous women from the U.S. population.

Breastfeeding is associated with lower subclinical atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women

Objective: To evaluate the association between a personal history of lactation and indices of subclinical atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women.Methods: We evaluated the association between a history of breastfeeding and indices of subclinical atherosclerosis (pulse wave velocity, PWV; intima-media thickness [IMT]; atherosclerotic plaque presence) in 197 parous postmenopausal women with history of breastfeeding.Results: Women who reported breastfeeding ≥6 months when compared with women who reported breastfeeding for 1-5 months exhibited significantly lower values of common carotid artery IMT (Model R²=15.7%, b-coefficient = -0.170, 95% CI: -0.208-0.001, p-value = .019) and lower odds of subclinical atherosclerosis (Model X²=28.127, OR = 0.491, 95% CI 0.318-0.999, p-value = .049), adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors.Conclusions: Postmenopausal women with a history of breastfeeding for at least 6 months have a lower prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis, independently of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. A longer duration of breastfeeding may have a beneficial effect on subclinical atherosclerosis later in life.

Pharmacotherapy for depression and bipolar disorder during lactation: A framework to aid decision making

OBJECTIVE

Breastmilk is recommended as the exclusive source of nutrition for infants younger than 6 months due to the numerous health benefits for both infants and mothers. Although many women are prescribed medications during pregnancy and postpartum, limited data are available to assist women in weighing the benefits compared to the risks of peripartum medication use. The goals of this paper are to discuss the importance of breastmilk for the health of both the mother and infant, evaluate the impact of medication use on women's infant feeding choice, describe the transfer of drugs to breastmilk and infants, and provide a framework for clinicians to support evidence-based counseling for women treated for mood disorders.

RECOMMENDATIONS

We recommend early pregnancy counseling to discuss the benefits and risks of medications during breastfeeding. The Surgeon General's Call to Action (2011) highlights the short and long-term negative health effects of not providing breastmilk. Integrating recommendations from the pediatric and obstetric teams allows patients to make decisions based on evidence and reach their infant feeding goals. Databases containing summaries of research findings and pharmacologic properties of the drug of interest are an essential resource for clinicians.

Lactation and Maternal Subclinical Atherosclerosis Among Women With and Without a History of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

Background: We evaluated subclinical cardiovascular disease in relation to lactation history among women with normotensive pregnancies and women with hypertensive pregnancies, a distinction not previously examined. Materials and Methods: The POUCHmoms study included 678 women from a pregnancy cohort who were followed 7-15 years after delivery. We measured blood pressure, lipid levels, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), and lactation duration for each live birth (LB) at follow-up. We categorized lactation as never, <6 months/LB, or ≥6 months/LB. We analyzed associations between lactation and cardiometabolic risk factors and CIMT by using analysis of variance and multivariable linear regression (adjusted for age, race, socioeconomic status, smoking, time from last pregnancy, and total parity), which produced adjusted least square mean differences (LSMdiff) between groups. Results: In the normotensive pregnancies group with women who never lactated as the referent (n = 157): Women with some lactation but <6 months/LB (n = 284) had higher high density lipoprotein (HDL) (LSMdiff = +4.47 mg/dL, p = 0.013), lower triglycerides (LSMdiff = -38.1 mg/dL, p = 0.02), and thinner mean CIMT (LSMdiff = -0.03 mm, p = 0.005); women who lactated for ≥6 months/LB (n = 133) also had higher HDL (LSMdiff = +7.59 mg/dL, p < 0.001), lower triglycerides (LSMdiff = -41.6 mg/dL, p = 0.01), and thinner mean CIMT (LSMdiff = -0.03 mm, p = 0.003). After further adjustment for body mass index, associations between lactation and HDL, triglycerides, and mean CIMT persisted. These associations were not detected in women with prior hypertensive pregnancies. Conclusions: Women with a history of normotensive pregnancies and lactation for any duration had a more favorable cardiometabolic profile and were at decreased risk of subclinical atherosclerosis compared with those who never lactated.

Association of Maternal Lactation With Diabetes and Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE

Lactation has been shown to be associated with lower rates of diabetes and hypertension in mothers. However, the strength of association has varied between studies, and sample sizes are relatively small.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether lactation is associated with a lower risk of diabetes and hypertension.

DATA SOURCES

Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, and CINAHL databases were searched from inception to July 2018 with manual search of the references.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies of adult women that specified duration of breastfeeding for at least 12 months, evaluated primary hypertension and diabetes as outcomes, were full-text articles in English, and reported statistical outcomes as odds ratios were included.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Study characteristics were independently extracted using a standard spreadsheet template and the data were pooled using the random-effects model. The Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guideline for reporting was followed.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Diabetes and hypertension.

RESULTS

The search yielded 1558 articles, from which a total of 6 studies met inclusion criteria for association between breastfeeding and diabetes and/or hypertension. The 4 studies included in the meta-analysis for the association between lactation and diabetes had a total of 206 204 participants, and the 5 studies included in the meta-analysis for the association between lactation and hypertension had a total of 255 271 participants. Breastfeeding for more than 12 months was associated with a relative risk reduction of 30% for diabetes (pooled odds ratio, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.62-0.78]; P < .001) and a relative risk reduction of 13% for hypertension (pooled odds ratio, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.78-0.97]; P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This study suggests that education about the benefits of breastfeeding for prevention of diabetes and hypertension in women is a low-risk intervention that can be easily included in daily practice and may have a positive impact on cardiovascular outcomes in mothers.

Breastfeeding and maternal cardiovascular risk factors: 1982 Pelotas Birth Cohort

This study evaluated the association of breastfeeding duration with maternal metabolic cardiovascular risk factors among women who have been prospectively followed since birth in a southern Brazilian city. In the unadjusted analysis, total cholesterol was higher among women who never breastfed in relation to those who breastfed ≥12 months. Among women with one livebirth, a shorter duration of breastfeeding was associated with lower HDL, while those with two or more livebirths and that breastfed for shorter time presented lower pulse wave velocity, glycaemia and non-HDL measures. After controlling for confounding variables, the magnitude of these associations decreased, and the confidence intervals included the reference. Concerning the duration of breastfeeding of the last child, the analysis was stratified by time since last birth. After controlling for confounders, systolic blood pressure was lower among women who breastfed 3 to <6 months and had a child within the last five years in relation to those who breastfed ≥6, but no clear trend was observed (p = 0.17). In conclusion, our findings suggest that there is no association between lactation and maternal cardiometabolic risk factors.

Maternal Implications of Breastfeeding: A Review for the Internist

Breastfeeding seems to be a low-cost intervention that provides both short- and long-term health benefits for the breastfeeding woman. Interventions to support breastfeeding can increase its rate, exclusivity, and duration. Internists often have a longitudinal relationship with their patients and can be important partners with obstetricians and pediatricians in advocating for breastfeeding. To play their unique and critical role in breastfeeding promotion, internists need to be knowledgeable about breastfeeding and its maternal health benefits. In this paper, we review the short- and long-term maternal health benefits of breastfeeding. We also discuss special considerations in the care of breastfeeding women for the internist.

Association between parity and persistent weight gain at age 40-60 years: a longitudinal prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Physiological metabolic adaptations occur in the pregnant woman. These may persist postpartum and thereby contribute to an unfavourable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk profile in parous women. The aim of the current study is to assess time-dependent changes of cardiometabolic health in parous women compared with nulliparous women.

DESIGN AND SETTING

We studied data of 2459 women who participated in the Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-stage Disease study, a population-based prospective longitudinal cohort for assessment of CVD and renal disease in the general population.

PARTICIPANTS

We selected women ≥40 years at the first visit, who reported no new pregnancies during the four follow-up visits. All women were categorised in parity groups, and stratified for age.

OUTCOME MEASURES

We compared body mass index (BMI), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, blood pressure as continuous measurements and as clinical relevant CVD risk factors among parity groups over the course of 6 years using generalised estimating equation models adjusted for age.

RESULTS

The BMI was significantly higher in women para 2 or more in all age categories: per child, the BMI was 0.6 kg/m² higher. corresponding with 1.5-2.0 kg weight gain per child. HDL cholesterol was significantly lower in women para 2 or more aged 40-49 and 50-59 years: per child, the HDL cholesterol was up to 0.09 mmol/L lower. Blood pressure did not differ among parity groups in any of the age categories.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher parity is associated with higher BMI, lower HDL cholesterol and a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, which is constant over time. These findings warrant for prospective research assessing determinants of cardiometabolic health at earlier age to understand the role of pregnancy in the development of CVD in women.

Breastmilk feeding for mothers and infants with opioid exposure: What is best?

With rare exception, breastfeeding is the optimal way to feed infants, and has special benefits for women and infants with perinatal opioid exposure. Infants breastfed and/or fed their mother's own breastmilk experience less severe opioid withdrawal symptoms, have shorter hospital stays, and are less likely to be treated with medication for withdrawal. The specific impact of mothers' milk feeding on opioid withdrawal may be related to the act of breastfeeding and associated skin-to-skin contact, qualities of breastmilk, healthier microbiome, small amounts of opioid drug in breastmilk, or a combination of these. Women with opioid use disorder face significant breastfeeding obstacles, including psychosocial, behavioral, concomitant medications, and tobacco use and thus may require high levels of support to achieve their breastfeeding goals. They often don't receive information to make informed infant feeding decisions. Hospital practices such as prenatal education, rooming-in and having a policy that minimizes barriers to breastfeeding are associated with increased breastfeeding rates.

Lactation and maternal cardiovascular disease risk in later life

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. The identification of protective factors against cardiovascular disease is important with regard to public health policies. Lactation has multiple beneficial effects for both mother and child. This review summarizes the evidence on the association between lactation and maternal cardiovascular risk in later life. Lactation may help to reverse the metabolic and cardiovascular changes that take place during pregnancy. Overall, lactation seems to exert a protective effect against the development of hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes, whilst data on postpartum weight and lipidemic profile are less conclusive. Both subclinical and clinical cardiovascular disease are negatively associated with a history of lactation. Increased energy expenditure and a favorable hormonal and adipokine profile during lactation may explain these associations.

Relationship of Postpartum Levels of Cystatin and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Duration of Lactation in Mothers with Previous Gestational Hypertension or Preeclampsia

Background: Women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease in later life. We sought to determine the association between lactation and markers of maternal cardiovascular health among postpartum women with and without hypertensive disorders of pregnancy via measures of inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP]) and renal function (cystatin C). Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study enrolled primarily overweight and obese women during early pregnancy. At a postpartum study visit occurring 6-24 months after delivery, we collected data on lactation duration and measured hsCRP and cystatin C. We assessed associations between lactation duration and levels of hsCRP and cystatin C among normotensive women and women with preeclampsia or gestational hypertension using analysis of variance and chi-squared tests. Linear regression models adjusted for age, race, education, prepregnancy body mass index, current smoking, and time since delivery. Results: Of 425 women, 37 (9%) had preeclampsia and 48 (11%) had gestational hypertension during enrollment pregnancy. The postpartum visit occurred at a mean of 8.6 ± 4.4 months after delivery. Women with a history of preeclampsia had significantly higher levels of cystatin C (mean 0.86 versus 0.78 mg/L; p = 0.03) compared with normotensive women, but nonsignificant elevation in hsCRP (mean 8.39 versus 6.04 mg/L; p = 0.08). Women with gestational hypertension had no differences in mean hsCRP or cystatin C compared with normotensive women. Among the 237 women with any lactation, 78 (18%) lactated for at least 6 months. Lactation duration both in the overall sample and among women with gestational hypertension or preeclampsia was not associated with levels of hsCRP or cystatin C. Conclusions: Preeclampsia history was associated with elevated postpartum levels of cystatin C; however, duration of lactation was not associated with postpartum hsCRP or cystatin C, regardless of history of gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. Further research is needed on mechanisms through which lactation may affect maternal risk of cardiovascular disease.

Exploring the Ovarian Reserve Within Health Parameters: A Latent Class Analysis

The process of ovarian aging is influenced by a complex and poorly understood interplay of endocrine, metabolic, and environmental factors. The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of using latent class analysis to identify subgroups based on cardiometabolic, psychological, and reproductive parameters of health and to describe patterns of anti-Müllerian hormone levels, a biomarker of the ovarian reserve, within these subgroups. Sixty-nine lean (body mass index [BMI] ⩽ 25 kg/m2) and severely obese (BMI ⩾ 40 kg/m2) postpartum women in Edinburgh, Scotland, were included in this exploratory study. The best fitting model included three classes: Class 1, n = 23 (33.5%); Class 2, n = 30 (42.2%); Class 3, n = 16 (24.3%). Postpartum women with lower ovarian reserve had less favorable cardiometabolic and psychological profiles. Examining the ovarian reserve within distinct subgroups based on parameters of health that affect ovarian aging may facilitate risk stratification in the context of ovarian aging.

Breastfeeding History and Risk of Stroke Among Parous Postmenopausal Women in the Women's Health Initiative

Background Stroke is the third leading cause of death among US Hispanic and non-Hispanic black women aged 65 and older. One factor that may protect against stroke is breastfeeding. Few studies have assessed the association between breastfeeding and stroke and whether this association differs by race and ethnicity. Methods and Results Data were taken from the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study with follow-up through 2010; adjusted hazard ratios for stroke subsequent to childbirth were estimated with Cox regression models accounting for left and right censoring, overall and stratified by race/ethnicity. Of the 80 191 parous women in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study, 2699 (3.4%) had experienced a stroke within a follow-up period of 12.6 years. The average age was 63.7 years at baseline. Fifty-eight percent (n=46 699) reported ever breastfeeding; 83% were non-Hispanic white, 8% were non-Hispanic black, 4% were Hispanic, and 5% were of other race/ethnicity. After adjustment for nonmodifiable potential confounders, compared with women who had never breastfed, women who reported ever breastfeeding had a 23% lower risk of stroke (adjusted hazard ratio=0.77; 95% confidence interval 0.70-0.83). This association was strongest for non-Hispanic black women (adjusted hazard ratio=0.52; 95% confidence interval 0.37-0.71). Further, breastfeeding for a relatively short duration (1-6 months) was associated with a 19% lower risk of stroke (adjusted hazard ratios=0.81; 95% confidence interval 0.74-0.89). This association appeared stronger with longer breastfeeding duration and among non-Hispanic white and non-Hispanic black women (test for trend P<0.01). Conclusions Study results show an association and dose-response relationship between breastfeeding and lower risk of stroke among postmenopausal women after adjustment for multiple stroke risk factors and lifestyle variables. Further investigation is warranted.

Breastfeeding and later maternal risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease - The role of overall and abdominal obesity

In this study, we examined how any, full, and partial breastfeeding durations were associated with maternal risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD), and how prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference 7 years postpartum influenced these associations. A total of 63,260 women with live-born singleton infants in the Danish National Birth Cohort (1996-2002) were included. Interviews during pregnancy and 6 and 18 months postpartum provided information on prepregnancy weight, height, and the duration of full and partial breastfeeding. Waist circumference was self-reported 7 years postpartum. Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios of incident hypertension and CVD, registered in the National Patient Register from either 18 months or 7 years postpartum through 15 years postpartum. Any breastfeeding ≥4 months was associated with 20-30% lower risks of hypertension and CVD compared to <4 months in both normal/underweight and overweight/obese women. At follow-up starting 7 years postpartum, similar risk reductions were observed after accounting for waist circumference adjusted for BMI. Partial breastfeeding >2 months compared to ≤2 months, following up to 6 months of full breastfeeding, was associated with 10-25% lower risk of hypertension and CVD. Compared with short breastfeeding duration, additional partial breastfeeding was as important as additional full breastfeeding in reducing risk of hypertension and CVD. Altogether, longer duration of breastfeeding was associated with lower maternal risk of hypertension and CVD irrespective of prepregnancy BMI and abdominal adiposity 7 years after delivery. Both full and partial breastfeeding contributed to an improved cardiovascular health in mothers.

Using sertraline in postpartum and breastfeeding: balancing risks and benefits

INTRODUCTION

The World Health Organization recommends newborns to be breastfed but this may be challenging if the mother needs to be treated for depression, since strong evidence to inform treatment choice is missing.

AREAS COVERED

We provide a critical review of the literature to guide clinicians who are considering sertraline for the management of depression during postpartum.

EXPERT OPINION

Sertraline is one of the safest antidepressants during breastfeeding. In most cases, women already taking sertraline should be advised to breastfeed and continue the medication. We recommend to begin with low doses and to slowly increase the dose up, with careful monitoring of the newborn for adverse effects (irritability, poor feeding, or uneasy sleep, especially if the child was born premature or had low weight at birth). The target dose should be the lowest effective. When feasible, child exposure to the medication may be reduced by avoiding breastfeeding at the time when the antidepressant milk concentration is at its peak. A decision to switch to sertraline from ongoing and effective treatment should be taken only after a scrupulous evaluation of the potential risks and benefits of switching versus continuing the ongoing medication while monitoring the infant carefully.

Delayed Lactogenesis II and potential utility of antenatal milk expression in women developing late-onset preeclampsia: a case series

Background

Preeclampsia is a multi-system, hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that increases a woman’s risk of later-life cardiovascular disease. Breastfeeding may counteract the negative cardiovascular sequela associated with preeclampsia; however, women who develop preeclampsia may be at-risk for suboptimal breastfeeding rates. In this case series, we present three cases of late-onset preeclampsia and one case of severe gestational hypertension that illustrate a potential association between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and suboptimal breastfeeding outcomes, including delayed onset of lactogenesis II and in-hospital formula supplementation.

Case presentation

All cases were drawn from an ongoing pilot randomized controlled trial investigating the impact of antenatal milk expression versus an education control on breastfeeding outcomes. All study participants were healthy nulliparous women recruited at 34–36^6/7 gestational weeks from a hospital-based midwife practice. The variability in clinical presentation among the four cases suggests that any effect of hypertensive disorders on breastfeeding outcomes is likely multifactorial in nature, and may include both primary (e.g., preeclampsia disease course itself) and secondary (e.g., magnesium sulfate therapy, delayed at-breast feeding due to maternal-infant separation) etiologies. We further describe the use of antenatal milk expression (AME), or milk expression and storage beginning around 37 weeks of gestation, as a potential intervention to mitigate suboptimal breastfeeding outcomes in women at risk for preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Conclusions

Additional research is needed to address incidence, etiology, and interventions, including AME, for breastfeeding issues among a larger sample of women who develop hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Breastfeeding and maternal cardiovascular risk factors and outcomes: A systematic review

Background

There is growing evidence that breastfeeding has short- and long-term cardiovascular health benefits for mothers. The objectives of this systematic review were to examine the association between breastfeeding and maternal cardiovascular risk factors and outcomes that have not previously been synthesized systematically, including metabolic syndrome, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

Methods and findings

This systematic review meets PRISMA guidelines. The MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL databases were systematically searched for relevant publications of any study design from the earliest publication date to March 2016. The reference lists from selected articles were reviewed, and forward and backward referencing were conducted. The methodological quality of reviewed articles was appraised using validated checklists.

Twenty-one studies meeting the inclusion criteria examined the association between self-reported breastfeeding and one or more of the following outcomes: metabolic syndrome/metabolic risk factors (n = 10), inflammatory markers/adipokines (n = 2), hypertension (n = 7), subclinical cardiovascular disease (n = 2), prevalence/incidence of cardiovascular disease (n = 3) and cardiovascular disease mortality (n = 2). Overall, 19 studies (10 cross-sectional/retrospective, 9 prospective) reported significant protective effects of breastfeeding, nine studies (3 cross-sectional/retrospective, 5 prospective, 1 cluster randomized controlled trial) reported non-significant findings and none reported detrimental effects of breastfeeding. In most studies reporting significant associations, breastfeeding remained associated with both short- and long-term maternal cardiovascular health risk factors/outcomes, even after covariate adjustment. Findings from several studies suggested that the effects of breastfeeding may diminish with age and a dose-response association between breastfeeding and several metabolic risk factors. However, further longitudinal studies, including studies that measure exclusive breastfeeding, are needed to confirm these findings.

Conclusions

The evidence from this review suggests that breastfeeding is associated with cardiovascular health benefits. However, results should be interpreted with caution as the evidence gathered for each individual outcome was limited by the small number of observational studies. Additional prospective studies are needed.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42016047766.

Effect of Lactation on myocardial vulnerability to ischemic insult in rats

Background

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality and long-term disability worldwide. Various studies have suggested a protective effect of lactation in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Objective

This study was designed to assess the effects of pregnancy and lactation on the vulnerability of the myocardium to an ischemic insult.

Methods

Eighteen female rats were randomly divided into three groups: ischemia-reperfusion (IR), in which the hearts of virgin rats underwent IR (n = 6); lactating, in which the rats nursed their pups for 3 weeks and the maternal hearts were then submitted to IR (n = 6); and non-lactating, in which the pups were separated after birth and the maternal hearts were submitted to IR (n = 6). Outcome measures included heart rate (HR), left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), rate pressure product (RPP), ratio of the infarct size to the area at risk (IS/AAR %), and ventricular arrhythmias - premature ventricular contraction (PVC) and ventricular tachycardia (VT).

Results

The IS/AAR was markedly decreased in the lactating group when compared with the non-lactating group (13.2 ± 2.5 versus 39.7 ± 3.5, p < 0.001) and the IR group (13.2 ± 2.5 versus 34.0 ± 4.7, p < 0.05). The evaluation of IR-induced ventricular arrhythmias indicated that the number of compound PVCs during ischemia, and the number and duration of VTs during ischemia and in the first 5 minutes of reperfusion in the non-lactating group were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those in the lactating and IR groups.

Conclusion

Lactation induced early-onset cardioprotective effects, while rats that were not allowed to nurse their pups were more susceptible to myocardial IR injury.

Parity, breastfeeding and risk of coronary heart disease: A pan-European case-cohort study

OBJECTIVE

There is uncertainty about the direction and magnitude of the associations between parity, breastfeeding and the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). We examined the separate and combined associations of parity and breastfeeding practices with the incidence of CHD later in life among women in a large, pan-European cohort study.

METHODS

Data were used from European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-CVD, a case-cohort study nested within the EPIC prospective study of 520,000 participants from 10 countries. Information on reproductive history was available for 14,917 women, including 5138 incident cases of CHD. Using Prentice-weighted Cox regression separately for each country followed by a random-effects meta-analysis, we calculated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CHD, after adjustment for age, study centre and several socioeconomic and biological risk factors.

RESULTS

Compared with nulliparous women, the adjusted HR was 1.19 (95% CI: 1.01-1.41) among parous women; HRs were higher among women with more children (e.g., adjusted HR: 1.95 (95% CI: 1.19-3.20) for women with five or more children). Compared with women who did not breastfeed, the adjusted HR was 0.71 (95% CI: 0.52-0.98) among women who breastfed. For childbearing women who never breastfed, the adjusted HR was 1.58 (95% CI: 1.09-2.30) compared with nulliparous women, whereas for childbearing women who breastfed, the adjusted HR was 1.19 (95% CI: 0.99-1.43).

CONCLUSION

Having more children was associated with a higher risk of CHD later in life, whereas breastfeeding was associated with a lower CHD risk. Women who both had children and breastfed did have a non-significantly higher risk of CHD.

Lactation and Maternal Cardio-Metabolic Health

Researchers hypothesize that pregnancy and lactation are part of a continuum, with lactation meant to "reset" the adverse metabolic profile that develops as a part of normal pregnancy, and that when lactation does not occur, women maintain an elevated risk of cardio-metabolic diseases. Several large prospective and retrospective studies, mostly from the United States and other industrialized countries, have examined the associations between lactation and cardio-metabolic outcomes. Less evidence exists regarding an association of lactation with maternal postpartum weight status and dyslipidemia, whereas more evidence exists for an association with diabetes, hypertension, and subclinical and clinical cardiovascular disease.

Subfractions of High-Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness: The Northern Manhattan Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Recent drug trials have challenged the high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) antiatherosclerotic hypothesis, suggesting that total level of HDL-C may not be the best target for intervention. HDL-C subfractions may be better markers of vascular risk than total levels of HDL-C. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between HDL2-C and HDL3-C fractions and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in the population-based Northern Manhattan Study.

METHODS

We evaluated 988 stroke-free participants (mean age, 66±8 years; 60% women; 66% Hispanic, and 34% non-Hispanic) with available data on HDL-C subfractions using precipitation method and cIMT assessed by a high-resolution carotid ultrasound. The associations between HDL-C subfractions and cIMT were analyzed by multiple linear regression models.

RESULTS

The mean HDL2-C was 14±8 mg/dL, HDL3-C 32±8 mg/dL, and the mean total HDL-C was 46±14 mg/dL. The mean cIMT was 0.90±0.08 mm. After controlling for demographics and vascular risk factors, HDL2-C and total HDL-C were inversely associated with cIMT (per 2 SDs, β=-0.017, P=0.001 and β=-0.012, P=0.03, respectively). The same inverse association was more pronounced among those with diabetes mellitus (per 2SDs, HDL2-C: β=-0.043, P=0.003 and HDL-C: β=-0.029, P=0.02). HDL3-C was not associated with cIMT.

CONCLUSIONS

HDL2-C had greater effect on cIMT than HDL3-C in this large urban population. The effect of HDL2-C was especially pronounced among individuals with diabetes mellitus. More research is needed to determine antiatherosclerotic effects of HDL-C subfractions and their clinical relevance.

Lactation Duration and Midlife Atherosclerosis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate lactation duration in relation to subsequent atherosclerosis in women during midlife.

METHODS

The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study is a multicenter prospective cohort that enrolled 2,787 women in 1985-1986 (ages 18-30 years, 52% black, 48% white), of whom 2,014 (72%) attended the 20-year follow-up examination in 2005-2006. We selected 846 women (46% black) without heart disease or diabetes at baseline who delivered one or more times after the baseline evaluation, had cardiometabolic risk factors measured at baseline, and had maximum common carotid intima-media thickness (mm) measured at the 20-year follow-up examination in 2005-2006. Lactation duration was summed across all postbaseline births for each woman and (n, women) categorized as: 0 to less than 1 month (n=262), 1 to less than 6 months (n=210), 6 to less than 10 months (n=169), and 10 months or greater (n=205). Multiple linear regression models estimated mean common carotid intima-media thickness (95% confidence interval) and mean differences among lactation duration groups compared with the 0 to less than 1-month group adjusted for prepregnancy obesity, cardiometabolic status, parity, and other risk factors.

RESULTS

Lactation duration had a graded inverse association with common carotid intima-media thickness; mean differences between 10 months or greater compared with 0 to less than 1 month ranged from -0.062 mm for unadjusted models (P trend <.001) to -0.029 mm for models fully adjusted for prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and cardiometabolic risk factors, parity, smoking, and sociodemographics (P trend=.010). Stepwise addition of potential mediators (BMI, systolic blood pressure at the 20-year follow-up examination) modestly attenuated the lactation and common carotid intima-media thickness association to -0.027 and -0.023 mm (P trend=.019 and .054).

CONCLUSION

Shorter lactation duration is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis independent of prepregnancy cardiometabolic risk factors and traditional risk factors. The magnitude of differences in carotid artery intima-media thickness may represent greater vascular aging. Lactation may have long-term benefits that lower cardiovascular disease risk in women.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Hyperprolactinemia: pathophysiology and therapeutic approach

Prolactin (PRL) is a hormone, mainly secreted by lactotroph cells of the anterior pituitary gland. Recent studies have shown it may also be produced by many extrapituitary cells. Its well-recognized PRL plays an important role in lactation during pregnancy, but it is involved in other biological functions such as angiogenesis, immunoregulation and osmoregulation. Hyperprolactinemia is a typical condition producing reproductive dysfunction in both sexes, resulting in hypogonadism, infertility and galactorrhea. It may be also asymptomatic. Lactotroph adenomas (prolactinoma) is one of the most common cause of PRL excess, representing approximately 40% of all pituitary tumors. Several other conditions should be excluded before a clear diagnosis of hyperprolactinemia is made. Hyperprolactinemia may be secondary to pharmacological or pathological interruption of hypothalamic-pituitary dopaminergic pathways or idiopathic. Stress, renal failure or hypothyroidism are other frequent conditions to exclude in patients with hyperprolactinemia. We will review biochemical characteristics and physiological functions of that hormone. Clinical and pharmacological approach to hyperprolactinemia will also be discussed.

Invited Commentary: Breastfeeding and Maternal Cardiovascular Health--Weighing the Evidence

Recently, there has been growing interest in understanding the ways in which lactation affects maternal health. The accompanying article by Palmer et al. (Am J Epidemiol. 2015;181(12):932-939), particularly their finding that prepregnancy obesity modifies the relationship between lactation and postpartum weight gain, makes an important contribution to this field. In this commentary, I discuss these findings within the context of other recent literature which indicates that whether or not a mother breastfeeds her newborn appears to be a powerful predictor of the mother's future risk of developing diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, independent of maternal weight or body mass index in later life.

Sertraline and breastfeeding: review and meta-analysis

We examined the risk-benefit profile of sertraline treatment during breastfeeding, summarized the available literature on sertraline use, presented previously unpublished data, and performed a correlation-based meta-analysis of sertraline serum levels in mother-infant pairs. We conducted a search of PubMed and the National Library of Medicine LactMed database. We performed a meta-analysis to examine correlations between maternal and infant serum sertraline levels in the existing literature and in previously unpublished data. Of 167 available infant sertraline levels, 146 (87.4 %) were below the limit of detection, and the meta-analysis found no significant relationship between maternal and infant sertraline concentrations. Of 150 infant desmethylsertraline levels, 105 (70.0 %) were below the limit of detection. The correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between maternal and infant desmethylsertraline concentrations, but this metabolite has only a fraction of the activity of sertraline. A significant relationship was also found for the sum of sertraline and desmethylsertraline, which stems primarily from the contribution of desmethylsertraline. Sertraline is a first-line drug for breastfeeding women due to documented low levels of exposure in breastfeeding infants and very few adverse events described in case reports. Based on the current literature, neither routine serum sampling nor genotyping is warranted for breastfeeding mothers taking sertraline and/or their infants. Routine pediatric care is appropriate monitoring for breastfed infants of women who take sertraline monotherapy.

Association between reproductive factors and age-related macular degeneration in postmenopausal women: the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010-2012

Purpose

To examine the association between female reproductive factors and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in postmenopausal women.

Design

Nationwide population-based cross-sectional study.

Methods

A nationally representative dataset acquired from the 2010–2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was analyzed. The dataset involved information for 4,377 postmenopausal women aged ≥50 years with a fundus photograph evaluable for AMD in either eye. All participants were interviewed using standardized questionnaires to determine reproductive factors including menstruation, pregnancy, parity, lactation, and hormonal use. The association between reproductive factors and each type of AMD was investigated.

Results

The mean age of the study participants was 63.1±0.2 years. Mean ages at menarche and menopause were 16.1±0.0 and 49.2±0.1 years, respectively. The overall prevalence rates of early and late AMD were 11.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.1–12.5) and 0.8% (95% CI, 0.5–1.2), respectively. When adjusted for age, neither smoking nor alcohol use was associated with the presence of any AMD or late AMD. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed age (OR, 1.12 per 1 year), duration of lactation (OR, 0.91 per 6 months), and duration of use of oral contraceptive pills (OCP) (OR, 1.10 per 6 months) as associated factors for late AMD. The other variables did not yield a significant correlation with the risk of any AMD or late AMD.

Conclusion

After controlling for confounders, a longer duration of lactation appeared to protect against the development of late AMD. A longer duration of OCP use was associated with a higher risk of late AMD.

Importance of engaging obstetrician/gynecologists in cardiovascular disease prevention

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review recent evidence regarding traditional and sex-specific factors identified among women during their reproductive years and their importance in lifetime risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD).

RECENT FINDINGS

Longitudinal studies demonstrated a woman's burden of risk during her reproductive years is associated with future risk of CVD. Similarly, women with a healthy lifestyle are relatively protected and have the lowest lifetime risk. Some primary prevention strategies, when implemented during this age window, were cost-effective. The link between pregnancy outcome and future CVD risk is now better understood, and evidence now relates pregnancy-associated hypertension and diabetes, as well as a preterm delivery or a low birth weight delivery, to excess risk. Gaps in preventive healthcare for women in this age group included low rates of treatment initiation for hypertension and failure to follow guidelines for diabetes surveillance among women with a history of gestational diabetes. Knowledge gaps for standard CVD prevention, as well as the link between pregnancy complications and future CVD risk, were identified among both primary care providers and obstetrician/gynecologists.

SUMMARY

Traditional and sex-specific risk factors for CVD present during women's reproductive years. Engaging the obstetrician/gynecologist provides a strategy to enhance prevention.

Impact of breastfeeding on maternal metabolism: implications for women with gestational diabetes

Lactating compared with nonlactating women display more favorable metabolic parameters, including less atherogenic blood lipids, lower fasting and postprandial blood glucose as well as insulin, and greater insulin sensitivity in the first 4 months postpartum. However, direct evidence demonstrating that these metabolic changes persist from delivery to postweaning is much less available. Studies have reported that longer lactation duration may reduce long-term risk of cardiometabolic disease, including type 2 diabetes, but findings from most studies are limited by self-report of disease outcomes, absence of longitudinal biochemical data, or no assessment of maternal lifestyle behaviors. Studies of women with a history gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) also reported associations between lactation duration and lower the incidence of type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. The mechanisms are not understood, but hormonal regulation of pancreatic β-cell proliferation and function or other metabolic pathways may mediate the lactation association with cardiometabolic disease in women.

A prospective population-based cohort study of lactation and cardiovascular disease mortality: the HUNT study

Background

Recent studies suggest that lactation has long-term effects on risk for cardiovascular disease in women, but the effects on cardiovascular mortality are less well known.

Method

In a Norwegian population-based prospective cohort study, we studied the association of lifetime duration of lactation with cardiovascular mortality in 21,889 women aged 30 to 85 years who attended the second Nord-Trøndelag Health Survey (HUNT2) in 1995–1997. The cohort was followed for mortality through 2010 by a linkage with the Cause of Death Registry. Adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for death from all causes and cardiovascular disease were calculated using Cox regression.

Results

During follow-up, 1,246 women died from cardiovascular disease. Parous women younger than 65 years who had never lactated had a higher cardiovascular mortality than the reference group of women who had lactated 24 months or more (HR 2.77, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.28, 5.99). There was some evidence of a U-shaped association, where women who reported lactating 7–12 months had a HR of 0.55 (95% CI: 0.27, 1.09). No clear associations were observed among women 65 years or older.

Conclusions

Excess cardiovascular mortality rates were observed among parous women younger than 65 years who had never lactated. These findings support the hypothesis that lactation may have long-term influences on maternal cardiovascular health.